The Squamish Nation used the day following the provincial budget to announce that it was "in the process of evaluating the application of this new (gaming) policy and securing the information necessary to fully examine any opportunity." In other words, the Squamish Nation is looking at getting into the gambling business. "At the present time, the Squamish Nation envisages a ‘destination style’ operation in the Squamish Valley as a result of preferences indicated by the Provincial Government," a press release states. However, the press release says the initiative will only be undertaken with the approval of the membership of the Squamish Nation. The provincial government announced recently that it is looking at expanding gaming, but will not be entertaining any proposals for a casino in the Lower Mainland. However, the province is believed to favour destination resort-style casino or gaming facilities. Whistler has been often been one of the first places that comes to mind of casino proponents, even though the community has expressed little support for such a facility. The Squamish Nation has had discussions with representatives of the District of Squamish to inform the municipality of the Nation’s objectives in regard to gaming.
